DVT Research Paper
While the overwhelming majority of physical therapy education is centered on Musculoskeletal and Neuromuscular practice patterns, it is extremely important for physical therapists to have a breadth of knowledge in other aspects of health as well. In an era of Direct Access, it is the duty of the physical therapist to recognize signs and symptoms of cardiopulmonary diseases and disorders, and understand how they affect the aging population in the United States1. One example of a potentially dangerous condition that physical therapists need to be aware of and understand is a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). With an increased understanding of the clinical manifestations and practice patterns of DVT, Physical Therapists will be better equipped to react
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Although the precise value of people affected each year is unknown, estimates have been made over time based on clinical data. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that as many as 1-2 of every 1,000 persons (or 0.1-0.2%) in the United States could be affected by a DVT or PE each year6. In a 25-year longitudinal study of a cohort of patients from Olmsted County, Minnesota, Silverstein et al. found the incidence of Venous Thromboembolism – which is a combination of the incidence of DVT and PE – to be 0.12%, while the incidence of DVT alone was 0.05%7. Although population studies generally report similar incidences of DVT, it has also been shown that samples from hospital settings as well as those with acute injuries have higher incidence of DVT – this may be due to a higher prevalence of DVT risk factors in subjects in acute care facilities and those who have recently undergone surgery8,9. Although many patients with a DVT are asymptomatic, there are a number of signs and symptoms that may be seen in a symptomatic patient with a DVT. Pain with or without palpation (especially in the calf), swelling, and discoloration in the affected extremity are some of the most common signs that a physical therapist may note during examination and
Although the precise value of people affected each year is unknown, estimates have been made over time based on clinical data. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that as many as 1-2 of every 1,000 persons (or 0.1-0.2%) in the United States could be affected by a DVT or PE each year6. In a 25-year longitudinal study of a cohort of patients from Olmsted County, Minnesota, Silverstein et al. found the incidence of Venous Thromboembolism – which is a combination of the incidence of DVT and PE – to be 0.12%, while the incidence of DVT alone was 0.05%7. Although population studies generally report similar incidences of DVT, it has also been shown that samples from hospital settings as well as those with acute injuries have higher incidence of DVT – this may be due to a higher prevalence of DVT risk factors in subjects in acute care facilities and those who have recently undergone surgery8,9. Although many patients with a DVT are asymptomatic, there are a number of signs and symptoms that may be seen in a symptomatic patient with a DVT. Pain with or without palpation (especially in the calf), swelling, and discoloration in the affected extremity are some of the most common signs that a physical therapist may note during examination and